Sitting in the flickering light of the candles on this kerchief of sand, on this village square, we waited in the night. We were waiting for the rescuing dawn - or for the Moors. Something, I know not what, lent this night a savor of Christmas. We told stories, we joked, we sang songs. In the air there was that slight fever that reigns over a gaily prepared feast. And yet we were infinitely poor. Wind, sand, and stars. The austerity of Trappists. But on this badly lighted cloth, a handful of men who possessed nothing in the world but their memories were sharing invisible riches.
This passage reflects a poignant scene where a group of people gathers in a village square, illuminated only by candlelight. They are in a state of anticipation, either waiting for dawn or for possible danger from the Moors. Despite their dire circumstances and poverty, the night is imbued with a sense of warmth reminiscent of Christmas, as they share stories, jokes, and songs, creating a communal bond amid adversity.
The imagery evokes a contrast between their physical hardships and the emotional wealth they experience together. The notion of sharing "invisible riches" underscores the idea that true wealth does not solely stem from material possessions but rather from camaraderie, shared memories, and the human spirit's resilience. The setting of wind, sand, and stars further emphasizes their connection with nature, fostering a deep sense of unity among the men under the vast night sky.
